Silicon Photonics Is Central To Next-Generation AI Infrastructure
techradar.pro, Monday, April 6th, 2026
Silicon photonics is one of the technologies expected to shape the future of artificial intelligence, communications, and data infrastructure. By replacing electrical signals with light inside chips, the technology promises faster data movement and lower energy use, two factors that are becoming critical as AI workloads expand and data centers consume increasing amounts of power.
At the center of much of the UK's work in this area is CORNERSTONE, a silicon photonics innovation center led by the University of Southampton. Founded in 2014, the center operates as an open-source, license-free photonics prototyping foundry, providing researchers, startups, and industry with access to the tools needed to design and test photonic integrated circuits.